A new Leeds to Manchester rail line is part of a radical plan 'revolutionise' transport links in the north over the next three decades.

More detail on the idea for a 'Northern Powerhouse rail 'network was unveiled today as part of a 30 year strategy to improve connections between the major cities in northern England.

Seven "corridors of opportunity" have been identified in the plan highlighting where the movement of people and goods across the region could be improved.

And it includes proposed new rail lines to make sure major towns and cities are linked-in to the new HS2 network, due to be completed in 2026.

This would include a new line between Manchester and Leeds which it is said could slash journey times between the cities to under half an hour.

(Image: Transport for the North)

The line would go through, and have a stop, in Bradford, rather than following the existing route, which goes through Huddersfield.

The document complied by Transport for the Nort (TfN) says: "Using new junctions on to the HS2 mainline in Yorkshire, Sheffield to Leeds journey times could be around 26 minutes, compared with 41 minutes currently.

"Using new infrastructure between Manchester and Leeds, journey times could be no more than 30 minutes, compared with the current 49 minute journey time, via a stop serving Bradford."

Construction of the eastern leg of HS2 is due to begin in 2023 and be completed in 2033.

Just on Monday the combined authority in West Yorkshire said HS2 could be create 300,000 jobs and add up to £56 billion to the region's economy.

TfN's £2.3 billion a year 'transport bible' also includes plans for a new line between Liverpool and the HS2 Manchester spur via Warrington as well as new underground platforms to increase capacity at Manchester Piccadilly station as well as major new road projects including a Trans-Pennine road tunnel.

The group's chairman, John Cridland, said: "Our plan proposes a revolutionary investment programme that will make it possible to travel to high-quality jobs.

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"This is an ambitious programme that will improve our roads and railways, and will also drive a sea change in skills development in the North and ensuring we meet that historic gap in investment."

Think tank IPPR North claims £1,943 is being spent per person in London on current or planned transport projects, compared with just £427 in northern England.

Transport for the North, made up of civic and business leaders, is set to be given statutory status in April, meaning its plans must be formally considered by the Government when decisions about transport investment in the North are made.

It says its proposals would cost an additional £50 per person per year in addition to expected spending.

The latest plans have been welcomed by business leaders in Leeds who said they would like to see progress made quickly.

Beckie Hart, Director of the CBI for Yorkshire & Humber said: “The publication of Transport for the North’s (TfN) Strategic Transport Plan is a significant milestone in delivering the infrastructure that is needed to boost productivity in Yorkshire and the Humber and across the whole of the north of England."

(Image: Leeds City Council)

However there has already been criticism that the plan, which is now going out to public consultation, does not show enough regard to the environment and 'ignores' other forms of transport such as walking and cycling.

Friends of the Earth Yorkshire & Humber campaigner Simon Bowens said: “This much-needed transport plan must do more to protect our health and environment, as well as delivering important economic benefits.

"The plan mentions a reduction in carbon emissions, but more specific targets must be set.

“The effects of climate change, such as flooding, are already being seen in towns and cities across the north, while the air in cities such as Leeds is dangerously polluted."

The consultation on the strategy, which you can read here , runs until April 17.